Count

Count is the eighth rank of the Imperial aristocracy, and the first where it becomes relatively impossible to manage one's territory on a personal level. Most Counties consist of maybe twenty or so star systems, where it can take several days just to cross the breadth of their demense. As such, Counties are the level at which governing becomes more disparate and less centralized.

Summary
When dealing with Viscounties, baronies, or baronetcies; the liege of that particular environ can often deal with local matters on a personal level. However, Counties are vast and require less centralized forms of governance. The Count will typically rule from a single capital system, and receive reports and taxation from their subordinate Nobles throughout the region.

Because of the complexity of dealing with many tiers of subordinates, the Count is the first level of noble that receives the "third aurum" tax, which means that a full third of all taxation received from their territory goes directly to their own government. This allows them to fund their local military forces, as Counties are expected to defend themselves in most situations outside of full-scale invasion. Furthermore, it leads to County Capitals often being some of the wealthiest and most-developed planets, as they receive the lion's share of public works projects.

All Counts are subordinate to their regional Lord, and they rule over two to three Viscounts.